I found a Chevy Malibu for sale private party with 20,523 miles on it and is getting sold for about $14,500. Looks to be in great condition scanned with scan tool had no codes in any category. I plan on buying it and trading it in later on the current owner is selling because they are looking to get an SUV. Had a mechanic look at it and said everything looked fine, and I am only going to be driving it to school, work, friends houses, and family. So the question is should I get this 2018 Chevy Malibu?
It might be ok for the duration of the warranty, but I would get rid of it before it expires.
They Chevy Malibu is a gamble - it’s basically an Opel insignia with a worse engine and transmission.
The EcoTech II engines were horrible, there’s no information on the EcoTech III - but I’d assume nothing changed much.
As far as the transmission, GMs small 9 speed auto is still unproven and it has serious potential to turn into a nightmare.
If you will definitely get rid of it before 80k-100k miles, why not. It’s quite common and you probably won’t experience many significant issues while it’s low mileage.
But if you’re unsure wether you will or won’t - I’d recommend not going for it. You really don’t want to get stuck with an Opel that has the worst engine and transmission they offered. (Euro Insignias have Aisin 8 speeds mated to older petrol Pontiac / Saturn engines or diesels)
if you don’t drive it all that much and plan to get a different car before it reaches 100,000 miles, go right ahead. $14k for a 2018 Malibu isn’t a bad price considering the fact that a Camry or Accord that’s the same year or maybe even older would go for $20k+
